NHRC seeks report from Gujarat DGP over alleged torture of Rajkot journalist

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Gujarat over reports that a journalist in Rajkot was allegedly illegally detained and subjected to severe physical torture by police officials last month.

The rights body said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report claiming that the journalist was unlawfully apprehended by the Rajkot Crime Branch police on March 22 and subjected to custodial abuse. The Commission observed that if the allegations are found to be true, the incident would raise a serious issue of violation of the journalist’s human rights .

According to the reports cited by the NHRC, the journalist, who operates an online media outlet , was allegedly stripped, suspended upside down and physically assaulted , resulting in serious injuries . The report further claimed that police officials attempted to intimidate doctors at Rajkot Civil Hospital to prevent the victim from being admitted for treatment.

The journalist was also allegedly threatened with false criminal cases and warned that his house would be demolished , the NHRC said while quoting the media report that first revealed the incident.

Despite the reported pressure, the injured journalist was admitted to Rajkot Civil Hospital on March 23 , where doctors documented injuries believed to have been caused during the alleged custodial torture. The details of the injuries were highlighted in a news report published on March 29 , which later prompted the NHRC to intervene in the matter.

Taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, the Commission has asked the Gujarat DGP to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of the investigation and the present health condition of the victim.

The NHRC noted that the case will be examined further once the report from the state authorities is received, as the allegations involve possible custodial abuse and misuse of police authority , an issue that falls within the Commission’s mandate to protect citizens’ rights and dignity.